Literary trails and tales by rail
There’s something truly special about walking in the footsteps of authors, poets, and storytellers, exploring literary trails and tales through the landscapes that sparked their imagination and shaped their work.
From the wild moors that inspired the Brontës to the riverside paths that stirred Tolkien’s creativity, this blog provides ideas for exploring literary trails and tales by rail. Curated with the help of community rail, these story-rich routes are easy to explore by train, inviting you to discover the places behind the pages.
So lace up your boots, grab your railcard, and let the stories begin.
Scotland
Explore the John Muir Way from Dunbar
Discover the legacy of conservationist and writer John Muir with a walk along the John Muir Way, a coast-to-coast trail that begins in his birthplace of Dunbar. From here, you can join the trail and explore dramatic coastal landscapes, understanding Muir’s enduring connection to nature.
Go by train
Easily accessed via the East Lothian Line.
Walk through Scotland’s literary heart
Follow in the footsteps of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, on this charming trail around Alloway and Ayr. The route takes in iconic landmarks such as Burns Cottage, the Brig o’ Doon, and the Burns Monument Gardens, offering a rich blend of literary heritage and scenic beauty.
Go by train
Take the train to Ayr station, along the picturesque South West Scotland line. To reach Alloway, take the 10 minute bus ride.
Edinburgh | Jim Divine on Unsplash
Harry Potter Trail, Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s magical atmosphere played a key role in shaping J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. The Potter Trail takes fans to iconic spots like The Elephant House Café, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and Victoria Street, each believed to have inspired elements of the wizarding world.
Go by Train
Take the train to Edinburgh Waverley station. From here you can connect to scenic routes including Borders Railway and East Lothian Line.
See the free public tours available here.
Wales
Alice in Wonderland Trail, Llandudno
Follow the Alice in Wonderland Trail in Llandudno, inspired by Alice Liddell, the muse behind Lewis Carroll’s beloved character. This self-guided route takes you past sculptures, gardens, and seaside views, including spots Alice once visited. Trail maps are available from the Llandudno Tourist Information Centre for £3.50.
Go by Train
Llandudno is easily accessible via the scenic Conwy Valley Line.
Follow in Dylan Thomas’s footsteps
Follow the Dylan Thomas Trails to explore the landscapes that shaped one of Wales’s most iconic poets. Created by the Dylan Thomas Centre, the routes take you through key locations in Swansea, Gower, and West Wales, including Fern Hill Farm, the inspiration for his famous poem. Trail guides are available for £2 from the Centre.
Go by Train
Travel to Swansea for the Uplands Trail, or head west to Carmarthen and Whitland for onward connections to Laugharne and surrounding areas.
See routes and more details here.
East of England
Wandering Words: A literary trail through Norwich
Celebrate Norwich’s rich literary heritage with Wandering Words, a self-guided poetry trail created by the National Centre for Writing. This immersive experience features newly commissioned poems inspired by locations across the city. At each stop, scan a QR code to hear audio recordings of the poems and ambient sounds that bring each place to life.
The trail marks the tenth anniversary of Norwich becoming England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, and offers a fresh way to explore the city’s stories, past and present.
Go by train
Norwich is easily accessible by train and connects with the scenic routes of the Bittern Line (to Sheringham) and the Wherry Lines (to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft).
Enid Blyton’s East Anglian inspiration
Before becoming one of Britain’s best-loved children’s authors, Enid Blyton spent time in Woodbridge while training to be a teacher. She was enchanted by Seckford Hall, a grand Tudor building full of mystery, which may have inspired elements in her stories like The Famous Five and Noddy. Visitors today can explore the area and soak up the same atmosphere that sparked her imagination.
Go by train
Woodbridge and Ipswich are served by the East Suffolk Lines, which connect Ipswich to Lowestoft.
Ipswich journey of words
Explore Ipswich through the lens of its literary heritage on this 3.4mile (5.4km), 2-hour walk enhanced with augmented reality. Starting at Henley Road, the trail highlights notable writers and thinkers connected to the town, including Sir Henry Rider Haggard and Adam Rutherford. The route winds through Christchurch Park, offering a blend of history, storytelling, and scenic green spaces, perfect for a thoughtful stroll.
Go by train:
To reach the starting point at Henley Road, take a train to Ipswich Station. From there, it’s approximately a 25-minute walk or a short bus/taxi ride to the beginning of the trail near Ipswich School.
London
Step into the stories across London
London’s streets are steeped in literary history, and these self-guided walks from Go Jauntly offer a unique way to explore the city through the eyes of its most iconic writers. Follow the Charles Dickens Literary Trail to discover locations that inspired Oliver Twist and Great Expectations, or wander through Bloomsbury on the Poets Tour, celebrating Virginia Woolf and the literary circle she led. The Chelsea Blue Plaque trail and the KCAW Chelsea Literary Trail offer glimpses into the lives of authors who once called the area home, while the Baker Street Blue Plaque Hunt adds a touch of mystery with nods to Sherlock Holmes. For something a little different, the tour of Portobello blends bookish charm with vibrant street culture.
Midlands
Stratford-upon-Avon | Swati Kedia for Unsplash
Shakespeare’s Stratford
Follow in the footsteps of William Shakespeare with this fascinating self-guided walk featuring a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace and his Schoolroom & Guildhall.
Go by train
Stratford-upon-Avon is easy to reach by train and delivers you straight into the heart of this charming town.
Literary Oxford
Oxford’s cobbled streets and dreaming spires have long inspired literary legends. Wander past the Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library, and New College Lane, where fictional lovers and scholars once stood. Explore the Covered Market, the Ashmolean, and the Botanic Garden, each immortalised in stories by authors like Philip Larkin, Evelyn Waugh, and Joanna Trollope.
Go by train
Oxford is easily reached by train, with direct services running along the scenic Cotswold Line, connecting you to charming towns and countryside en route.
Explore on your own or join an organised walking tour.
North West
Walk in the footsteps of Tolkien
Explore the magical landscapes that inspired The Lord of the Rings on the Tolkien Trail – a scenic 7-mile walk through the Ribble Valley. Discover riverside paths, ancient woodlands, and historic halls that fuelled Tolkien’s imagination.
Go by train:
Hop on the Clitheroe Line and alight at Whalley Station, then take a short bus ride to the trail start near Hurst Green.
Strines: Home of the Railway Children
Inspired by The Railway Children, this 15 km circular walk explores the scenic landscapes near Strines station, believed to have inspired Edith Nesbit’s beloved novel.
Go by train:
Developed by South East Manchester Community Rail Partnership and the Friends of Strines Station, the trail starts from New Mills bus station (close to New Mills Central rail station) and features well-marked paths, varied terrain, and rich literary history.
South East
Tonbridge Castle | Julie Clark for Unsplash
Jane Austen’s Tonbridge Trail by train
Step into the pages of history with the Jane Austen and Tonbridge Walk, a gentle, accessible route that uncovers the Austen family’s deep connections to this charming Kent town. Starting at Tonbridge Library, the walk meanders past historic buildings, including Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge School, and the parish church of St Peter and St Paul, where several Austen relatives are buried. It’s a perfect blend of heritage and leisure, with plenty of spots to pause for tea and reflection.
Go by train:
For a greener day out, travel by train along the Tonbridge to Redhill Line. With easy station access and a car-free experience, this walk invites you to explore Kent’s literary legacy while embracing sustainable travel.
Follow in Jane Austen’s footsteps
Discover the literary legacy of Jane Austen with this charming 1.4 mile (2.2km) walk through Southampton, where she once lived, learnt, and played. Starting at the historic Bargate, the trail blends Regency-era history with modern city life, guiding you past plaques, medieval walls, and locations linked to Austen’s time in the city. It’s a perfect short walk for fans of literature and local heritage.
Go by train:
Leave the train at Southampton Central Station, for a 10-minute walk to the starting point of Bargate. Take a scenic trip by train to Salisbury or Winchester to extend your day and explore further.
South West
Uncover mystery and coastline with Agatha Christie
If you’ve ever been captivated by the twists and turns of an Agatha Christie novel, why not step into the world that inspired her? The Agatha Christie Trail in Torquay, Devon offers a unique opportunity to explore the places that shaped the Queen of Crime’s imagination, while enjoying one of the most scenic coastal walks in England.
Go by train
This literary adventure is easily accessible via Torquay Station, supported by the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership. From the station, you can walk parts of the trail or take a connecting bus or ferry to Greenway.
Torquay | Chris Boland for Unsplash
Yorkshire
Bram Stoker’s Whitby
Step into the eerie charm of Whitby on a self-guided walking tour inspired by Bram Stoker, who visited the town in the 1890s and used it as a dramatic setting for Dracula. Follow in his footsteps past landmarks like the 199 steps, St Mary’s Churchyard, and Royal Crescent, where real events and local legends helped shape the novel’s gothic atmosphere.
Go by train
Whitby is located at the end of the beautiful Esk Valley Railway, connecting Middlesborough.
Whitby Abbey | Yaopey Yong for Unsplash
Please check your route before you set off. You can check your journey for disruptions through National Rail here.